This October, the U.S. Supreme Court plans to review whistleblower protections under the Dodd-Frank Act. Announced on June 26, the decision to hear the case of Somers v. Digital Realty Trust will resolve who is protected from possible retaliation under the reform law. The case revolves around former Vice President Paul Somers of Digital Realty Trust Inc., who was fired after reporting to management potential securities law violations. Somers sued Digital Realty Trust Inc. for allegedly violating Dodd-Frank’s whistleblower rules, but the dispute centers on where he initially reported the transgression. Digital Realty’s lawyers contended that since Somers’ concerns were. Read More.

A broad interpretation of Dodd-Frank whistleblower protections was upheld this month by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (“Ninth Circuit”). Earlier this month, the Ninth Circuit ruled that whistleblowers who report illegal behavior through their employer instead of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) fall under the anti-retaliation protections. The decision was based on the case of Somers v. Digital Realty Trust, which involved the termination of Digital Realty’s former vice president being fired after reporting possible securities law violations. Paul Somers sued Digital Realty, claiming that his termination violated whistleblower protections under the Dodd-Frank Act. Digital Realty maintained that. Read More.